Probate services are required when an individual passes away and their belongings need to be dealt with. A Grant of Probate or a Letter of Administration should be done and conceded by the Probate Registry before anything can move forward with the processing of the estate. These reports give the individual recorded on the document the power to make choices concerning the estate.

A Grant of Probate will be issued if there is a Will with at least one executor – they will apply for the probate.

A Grant of Letters of Administration is required when there is no Will. A relative will typically apply for this. When this has been done, the estate administration can start.

From our Kingston office, we provide clear, practical guidance so estate matters can be managed efficiently and respectfully during a difficult time.

With regards to probate services in Kingston upon Thames, we are here to help you at all times. To give you an indication of what the process involves, here are the stages of a probate:

Stage 1: Determine the estate estimation and confirming entitlement to the Will.

Stage 2: Pay the Inheritance Tax where needed.

Stage 3: Apply for Probate so as to have lawful authority over the estate.

Stage 4: Once the Probate has been issued, the estate will start to sell the assets, settle the liabilities and pay any extra types of Tax.

Stage 5: Preparing the records and sending the last balance of the books to the executors of the estate for endorsement.

Stage 6: The proceeds of the Will will be dispersed.

Success Stories

“Fantastic service from Sarah and her Team sold my late mothers house easily when two other large agents failed miserably. Should have gone to Saxon King first and not wasted a year on listening to tosh from the big names. No smarmy sales pitches just good honest talking and personal service and quick results. Really good communication from start to finish. Thank you.”
David

“Sarah and the team at Saxon Kings are really professional letting agents. I have been working for them for quite a while now and I feel like they do a great job for both their tenants and landlords. They are always honest and professional! Hard to come by a team like this.”
David

“Great service from start to finish. Joanna was excellent and helped us manage a slightly tricky situation with our buyer with common sense and tact. Chased solicitors on our behalf and kept us informed on progress. Would absolutely recommend to handle a sale!me away every time I visit my new site!”
Roger

“My experience with Saxon Kings was very positive. Nicola was extremely helpful to me in making the process of my new tenancy go smoothly. She was fast in all her responses, answering any questions I had during and after the process, which made moving house straightforward. I would recommend Saxon Kings and use them again in future.”
Sarah

“This is the second time I have used Saxon Kings and I wouldn’t use anyone else! Highly efficient, friendly staff who are always available or get back to you quickly. They guide you through the process and are completely on top of what needs to happen and when! Really nice team to work with and don’t feel like there is any ‘ego’ or pretentiousness, like I’ve had with other estate agents. Would highly recommend.”
Lyndsey

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between inheritance tax and capital gains tax?

Inheritance tax is a charge on the value of an estate when a person dies, payable to HM Revenue & Customs. It typically applies when the estate exceeds the current tax threshold. Capital gains tax, by contrast, is paid on the profit made when an asset is sold, such as a property or shares. While inheritance tax is a one-time payment triggered by death, capital gains tax is tied to income tax rules and applies only when profits are realised. Proper advice ensures you manage both taxes correctly.

Is it worth using a solicitor for probate?

Yes. When property is involved, using a solicitor can help ensure all legal requirements are met and avoid unnecessary costs later. They can offer advice on estate valuation, tax matters, and the correct legal steps, especially if there are multiple beneficiaries or complexities.

What assets do not go through probate in the UK?

Some assets fall outside probate. These may include jointly owned properties (passed to the surviving owner), life insurance with named beneficiaries, pensions, and bank accounts held in joint names. These assets transfer directly to the named individual and are not included in the estate for probate. However, it’s still essential to seek advice from probate solicitors, as inheritance tax may still apply, and the full value of the estate must be correctly assessed and reported.

Do I need probate if the deceased left a Will?

If the deceased left a Will, probate is usually still required to carry out their wishes. A Grant of Probate gives legal authority to the named executor(s) to manage the estate, including distributing assets, selling property, and settling debts. Probate Wills are used to confirm the validity of the Will and ensure everything is handled correctly. Without this legal step, financial institutions and third parties are unlikely to release or transfer any part of the estate.

Probate Services Kingston Upon Thames